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Cello Vibrato
By Jamie Fiste, Professor of Cello at Central Michigan University
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For a more recent video on vibrato with updated exercises, check out vibrato exercises beta!
Cello vibrato is an expressive tool that is imitative of the voice in the wavering of the pitch up and down. As one teacher I knew put it, "Vibrato starts from the heart and moves down the arm and hand." Vibrato is also very personal. Some prefer a fast and narrow vibrato while other like a wider and slower vibrato. Be sure to take time to listen to a variety of cellists to know what type of vibrato you are aiming for.
Vibrato involves the coordination of several motions into a single unit,
- The rotation of the upper arm in the shoulder socket (lower positions)
- The opening and closing of the forearm at the elbow
- The rotation of the forearm and hand in a pronating and supinating motion
- Passive motions in the knuckles of the fingers
Notice the order of the list of motions. I started from the shoulder and moved down. I think this is a good order to proceed with when teaching vibrato.
Each of the motions can be practiced individually before attempting to combine them. I recommend practicing the motions while bowing open strings to get a feel of what it is like to vibrato while doing another action on the cello - kind of like patting your head and rubbing your stomach.
Many teachers believe vibrato should not be taught until the left hand is well acquainted with first position and intonation is secure. The beauty of the 'action studies' is they can be taught as preparation for the motions on the instrument. Therefore, vibrato can be taught immediately in the training, if so preferred.
For ideas on teaching these motions, please see the action studies page.
S.D.G.
Authored by Jamie Fiste, Professor of Cello at Central Michigan University.